Korea-Ukraine Foreign Ministers Hold First Meeting on the Sidelines of G7 Meeting
Plan for ‘Phased Measures’ in Response to Advances in North Korea-Russia Cooperation
Expresses Gratitude for Korean Government’s Support… “Will Provide Support in Various Ways”
On the occasion of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Fiuggi, Italy, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Syvyiha on the 25th (local time) to discuss the dispatch of North Korean troops to Russia and the situation of the Ukraine war, as well as support measures. Minister Cho reaffirmed the government’s plan for ‘phased measures’ according to developments in North Korea-Russia military cooperation.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 26th, during the meeting, Minister Cho emphasized, “North Korea’s illegal military cooperation with Russia, including weapons transfers and troop deployments, has made the security of the Korean Peninsula and Europe more closely connected than ever.” He stated concerns that the deployment of North Korean troops takes the Ukraine war into a new phase and assured that the government will take effective steps in stages corresponding to the progress of North Korea-Russia military cooperation and threats to our security.
Minister Syvyiha highlighted the shared security concerns between South Korea and Ukraine due to North Korea’s troop deployment, stressing the need for a response. He expressed hope that a Ukrainian envoy can visit South Korea soon to continue discussions on the matter and emphasized the importance of closely sharing trends and information to sternly respond to illegal North Korea-Russia military cooperation.
It was also reported that Minister Syvyiha expressed gratitude for the Korean government’s support for Ukraine. Minister Cho responded that the government would continue to implement diverse support based on the ‘Ukraine Peace Solidarity Initiative’ announced during President Yoon Suk-yeol’s visit to Kyiv in July last year. He also expressed expectations for meaningful consultations on the occasion of the Ukrainian envoy’s visit to Korea.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs evaluated the meeting as an opportunity to establish a close cooperation base with Ukraine to effectively respond to illegal North Korea-Russia military cooperation and to affirm the government’s will for solidarity and support in aiding Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction.